Mulching is the most basic type of home gardening, but it's often the most confusing. Mulch is an organic or inorganic covering you spread on the ground to prevent erosion, enrich the soil, and regulate soil temperature, among other purposes. With so many different types available for your home, choosing the right one will ensure your plants maintain adequate moisture levels and protection against weeds. Below are popular choices of mulch for landscaping and why you would use them in certain situations.

Guide to the Top Types of Mulch

1. Wood/Bark Mulch

This type of organic mulch comes shredded or in larger pieces. It is made of wood, meaning it looks more natural and will last long in your garden. Organic mulching is popular among homeowners since it decomposes slowly and provides plants with healthier soil. Wood-type mulches come in a wide variety of colors - typically natural, red, and black. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, larger, "nugget-sized" mulches tend to be swept away in the rain. Conversely, smaller types of bark mulch will stay in your garden despite heavy rain flow. 

2. Leaves Mulch

This type of mulching offers one of the most nutritious ingredients for your plants. It is easy to obtain from grass clippings and brown leaves, so you don’t have to go out and buy it. This compost can be gathered when you're mowing your lawn or from fallen leaves during the cooler seasons. It is commonly used in plant beds, trees, and shrubs since it mixes well with the soil and helps provide your plants with a natural substance that decomposes.

3. Straw Mulch

Straw mulch works well with vegetable gardens since it retains water easily and keeps pests from eating your plant seeds. This compost will stand out visually in landscaping because of its unique look. It's recommended to use clean wheat, barley, or oat straw. Additionally, don’t confuse straw with hay, since hay does not have moisture retainment properties.

4. Stone Mulch

Homeowners use stone to achieve a certain aesthetic to their garden. Since stones don't retain moisture like other organic compounds, it should only be applied to plants that like to grow underneath stone, like cacti or succulents. 

If you're looking to have mulching done on your home, the experts at Arselli's in Chillicothe, OH, will help you create a visually-stunning and healthy garden. With 25 years of landscaping experience, their skilled team can narrow down your taste and style, choosing the proper compost to fit your plants' needs. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (740) 775-8177 to schedule a consultation today.